Hiring a new grad with a MSN

[scenario]

Hi all,

Entry level MSN programs are very popular and are offered at several universities as an alternative to ABSN. Some EL-MSN offer an accelerated track to NP but others offer the curriculum of a Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL). I'm curious as to how these graduates are looked at within the nursing profession. Most grads would want a position on the nursing floor before attaining managerial positions. How do hiring managers look at new grads with no RN experience but graduating with a MSN? Would these applicants be considered over qualified for the floor RN position? Thanks in advanced for your insight!

[Nurse SMS, MSN, RN]

They frequently find themselves in an employment "gap", too highly educated to be happy with the pay on the floor and seen as someone who will jump ship quickly once they get some experience.....and too inexperienced to be qualified for MSN level positions.

[guest769224]

Would these applicants be considered over qualified for the floor RN position?

No, why would they? They are a nurse either way- just like the ADN and BSN applicant. There's no increase in pay, and no room to bargain wages because they are still brand new graduates.

[klone, MSN, RN]

I would look at them as being about the same as any other new grad. I would not hire them over an ADN or BSN new grad simply due to their degree. In fact, I may actually be LESS inclined to hire them, because I would assume that in a year or two they would be looking to advance on to another position.

[llg, PhD, RN]

My hospital hires such people as "new grads" -- in the same positions and at the same pay as all the other new grads. It is hoped that they will perform well as a staff nurse and be able to move into the next level of position more quickly than most other new grads -- but they have to perform well in the staff nurse role before being considered seriously for promotion.

The advantage of promoting these nurses into higher position is that they already have the MSN credential. That can save some time and money for both the nurse and the hospital. But if they can't handle the entry level staff nurse position, they are not going to be promoted just because they have their MSN.